Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

My name is James Mack I was 56 years old when I was first diagnosed with the big C! Prior to this I did everything you should ate healthy, exercised, and even cycled to work and back on a daily basis beyond my wildest dreams did I ever think it would happen to me. My journey started on holiday in Corfu May 2015 when my wife, Madge and I noticed I was spending a lot of time in the bathroom.

On return I made several visit’s to my GP, the 1^st visit didn’t go to plan as Iwas too embarrassed to discuss my problem in front a student doctor and foolishly mentioned my troublesome frozen shoulder what had been bothering me. When I got home from work that evening Madge asked me what the outcome of the appointment was. I was told in a not too polite manner to make a new appointment ASAP which resulted in an urgent cancer referral. After what I can describe as an intense investigation by July I was diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Treatment started early September which consisted of 25 days Radiotherapy & twice daily Chemo tablets, as part of a research trial I was also administered an IV infusion of Chemo once a week. Madge and I travelled to Christies Hospital daily for an 8am appointment. Following my treatment each day I would work the afternoon. Working allowed me to have a sense of routine, I received lots of encouragement from my fellow work mates.

The picture above is me ringing the bell on the last day of my last Radiotherapy treatment which apparently is the way things are done, to help encourage (inspire) other patients awaiting treatment.

I then had a break from all the hospital trips to see if the treatment had reduced the cancer, the results were positive although I still required surgery.

On Christmas Eve morning I arrived at the Royal Oldham Hospital to have a pre-operative examination for the bowel surgery which consisted of none reversible stoma. This was scheduled for early January 2016 so we came away from hospital determined to have a good family Christmas.

Following my operation in January the consultant said everything went as expected although he could not do the operation via key hole surgery has planned due to complications. I was informed that whilst he was doing the operation they had a look at my liver where they spotted a couple of “white spec’s”, I was informed not to be alarmed but would require further tests. I recovered well from my surgery and planned my return to work for the 7^th March. 

The results of the liver test wasn’t so positive so I went off to see a liver consultant at the Manchester Royal Infirmary. The consultant informed me that it was conclusive and I had secondary cancer it had travelled to my liver and surgery was planned for the 8^th March.

After an overnight stay in hospital I lay on the bed waiting for my slot in the theatre but was told unfortunate news that my operation had been cancelled due to lack of high dependency beds, so I was sent home not sure what was going to happen.

My family were concerned about the delay as Easter was fast approaching and the Junior Doctors were on strike. My family demanded I should use my employment private health insurance, the following day Bupa arranged an appointment for me to see a liver surgeon, myself and my Daughter in-law Jenni went to the appointment. It was astounding the Consultant already had all my details and x-rays from the NHS, he said he could undertake the surgery in 4 days’ time on the proviso his team were available. The very next day I received a phone call saying it was all systems go for the surgery.

The operation went very well and my consultant said he had removed the cancerous legions from my liver, so after another 6 days in hospital I went home for yet more recovery time.

After approximately 7 weeks I was once again ready to return to work, the relief to be back to normality was brilliant I cannot describe how much it meant.

After further tests I had a further 6 sessions of chemotherapy for reassurance the Surgeon called it  “belt and braces” so back to the wonderful Christie every 3 week for an IV infusion we would have indulge in a treat at their lovely restaurant for coffee and dinner.

After all that I cannot say the journey was all bad we did have some good experiences like listening to Chris Evans driving to the radiotherapy appointment every morning for 5 weeks. Our new venture with our small caravan as opened new experiences to us.

Our 2 sons and their partners have been great and kept our spirts up, our grandchildren were there to keep me realising all the treatment was worthwhile. Both mine and Madge’s families and friends have all been fantastic with support and encouragement always available for advice and not to forget all my chocolate treats, The healthcare professionals at Christies and the aforementioned hospitals were absolutely amazing without you all I would not be here to tell my story, a BIG thankyou to you all.

After nearly 2 years on I now want to give something back to Christies even if it can help a little for them to carry on their fantastic work so I am planning on doing a tandem parachute jump weather permitting on the 8th April. So please dig deep as my goal is to raise £2,500 to help towards people being given the opportunity as I have to see my grandchildren grow up.